Why Are Root Canals Performed?

August 13, 2014

Root canals cause many people to avoid going to the dentist altogether. Just the idea that your dentist might tell you that you need a root canal can cause you to turn and run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. We firmly believe that root canals aren’t as bad as the reputation they’ve been given. Many people find the pain prior to the root canal to be much worse than the procedure itself – which is the main reason that root canals are important to get quickly after you’ve found out that you need one.

Root canals are only necessary when your tooth becomes severely infected. It’s not the last resort, but it’s close. The only thing that we’ll do past a root canal is an extraction. Root canals are used to treat severely infected or decayed teeth where the infection has reached the pulp or the root of the tooth. Damage to the pulp or root can be extremely painful since there are nerve endings in that part of your tooth. During your root canal, the pulp will be removed from your tooth to help clear up any infection or decay. You’ll then receive a filling and a crown to keep the filling safe. Opting for a root canal will help you save the natural tooth and help to avoid spreading the infection further than the tooth. Saving the natural tooth by getting a root canal will improve your life by:

Making chewing easier – Dentures or missing teeth make it difficult to chew and bite properly. It can be uncomfortable and cause tooth misalignment

Protecting other teeth – Your teeth are sensitive. If you let the infection get bad, it can cause infections in other teeth. If you choose to have the tooth extracted, it can cause unnecessary wear on other teeth around it.

Knowing the Signs

Be aware of the signs that you may need a root canal so that you can get the problem taken care of promptly. The sooner you take care of it, the healthier your whole mouth will be.

Tooth darkening

Extreme sensitivity

Swelling or tenderness

Pus sacks developing on gums

If you look out for these signs and call your Annapolis family dentist as soon as you notice one or more, you should be able to get the problem fixed quickly and avoid the arising of more problems as a result of decayed teeth. To schedule your appointment, please contact Annapolis Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! We look forward to getting to know your family and improving your oral health care!